Buckeye Local, St. John Central continue winning

May 1, 2013

EAST LIVERPOOL - Ivy Starcher struck out 15 and tossed a 3-hitter as Buckeye Local continued its late-season surge with an 8-0 win over homestanding East Liverpool Tuesday night in high school softball action.

It was the first game for the Panthers (11-9) since they claimed the OVAC Class 4A championship Saturday with a 4-3 win over Harrison Central at the I-470 J.B. Chambers Complex in Elm Grove.

Every starter in the Buckeye Local lineup recorded at least one hit as the Panthers rapped out 14 safeties.

Kaylee DeCesare led the way with two singles and three RBI. Kierstyn Czuchran singled and doubled, while Lauren Swiger and Rachel Hoagland each singled twice, with Swiger driving in two runs.

At Amanda's Field, the beat goes on for the Irish (20-2) as they toppled the 4A Big Red for the second time this season.

Hannah Absalom was again the difference inside the circle as the junior struck out 16, didn't walk a batter and allowed three hits.

She also drove in two runs with a pair of doubles and a single. Batterymate Morgan DeLuca added two RBI on a single and home run.

Sydney Helms also knocked in a pair of teammates with a single and double.

Kyleigh Falcone had two singles and an RBI, while Amber LaMotte had a pair of base knocks that produced a run.

Shadyside 4, Bridgeport 3

At Irene Ehni Memorial Field, Kenzie Fielding's steal of home in the top of the seventh was the deciding run as the Tigers (11-5) earned a regular-season sweep of the injury-riddled host Bulldogs (8-9).

Lindsey Dunn had a 2-run single in the sixth that erased a 1-0 deficit.